Bevy of boathouses

The unique boathouses lining the shores of Lake Minnetonka boast their own distinct styles — and stories. They range from a restored Oriental-style "pagoda" boathouse on Smithtown Bay to the butter-colored 1898 Gluek boathouse on the Lower Lake. Photographer Karen Melvin and writer Melinda Nelson are holding an event to spotlight the spring publication of their book "Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka," which offers an inside look at 35 historic dwellings. Nelson and Melvin will share boathouse stories and history at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Excelsior Brewing Co., 421 3rd St., Excelsior. Their 2017 calendar, "Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka," will be for sale during the event. For details, go to shop.karenmelvin.com.

Festive home tour

Gather ideas and inspiration at "Home for the Holidays," a tour of three professionally decorated residences, Nov. 18-19 in North Oaks. The North Oaks Guild 1 presents its yearly benefit for the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Meet at the North Oaks Golf Club, 54 E. Oaks Rd., to board a bus to the homes. Tour-goers also can shop the Holiday Boutique for clothing, jewelry, home decor and gifts in the Golf Club. Buses depart from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Cost is $35; at the door or online at northoakshometour.org. Lunch is $25 at the North Oaks Golf Club. For reservations, call 651-484-8585.

Epic art sale

Looking for a one-of-a-kind painting? The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) students and recent graduates will display more than 7,000 works by emerging artists and designers at the MCAD Art Sale, Nov. 17-19, 2501 Stevens Av. S., Mpls. Tickets: $150, includes first access to the sale, drinks and Taste of Whittier food samples, 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17; $25 in advance, $30 at the door, 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18. Admission is free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19. Go to mcad.edu/art-sale.

Get in the spirit

Bachman's is kicking off the holiday season with everything from a farmers market to a turkey design workshop. Neighborhood Roots is holding a Farmers Market offering food and gift items by gardeners, bakers, craftsman and artisans, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 13; free admission. An Open House featuring Santa and his sleigh, music, decorating demonstrations, live reindeer, kids' crafts and the play "Santa & Albert Rock Christmas," is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19; free admission. Create a fresh arrangement resembling a turkey for your tabletop at the Thanksgiving Turkey Floral Design Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19. Cost is $50 and covers materials. Register at bachmans.com.

Deck the halls

Tonkadale pros will share ideas for decorating for the season at 10 a.m. Nov. 19; free. Make a metal bell embellishment to hang indoors or out, 10 a.m. Nov. 20, cost $10 plus materials. Register at tonkadale.com. Tonkadale is at 3739 Tonkawood Rd., Minnetonka.

LYNN UNDERWOOD